Safe working conditions in any work environment is a crucial part of keeping a company successful and out of trouble. Constant workplace injuries greatly impact the business’s profit and performance. In order to make employees feel safe and cared for, establish safety regulations to follow in your auto detail shop. Here are a few tips to create safe working conditions for your business.
Safe Working Conditions in Your Auto Detail Shop – Our Tips
Look First
Many accidents or injuries that occur are preventable if employees take the time to look at the situation. When cleaning crevices, cracks, tires, and other parts of cars, there is a chance of being cut by stray pieces of metal or glass. For example, when cleaning tires they collect loose debris from the road that can be dangerous.
Overall, a good practice to establish is utilizing a flashlight to light up dark areas. This ensures there are no loose nails or other debris. This simple tactic prevents accidental cuts and other injuries that could occur without checking first. Additionally, providing mini flashlights for detailers and informing them of this hazard promotes your desire for safe working conditions.
Open Air Spaces
For the best safe working conditions, wash vehicles in open air spaces or in areas with good airflow. Cleaning cars in closed areas like garages is extremely dangerous. It prevents clean air from entering, which allows toxic fumes from the car and chemicals to remain inside.
Due to the emission of carbon monoxide from automobiles, this poisonous substance potentially blocks the heart, lungs, and brain. Overall, staying in a confined location while using dangerous chemicals causes severe health risks, not safe working conditions.
Turn off the Car
Multiple mistakes are preventable by simply turning off the vehicle that is being serviced. For example, it stops the car from emitting carbon monoxide like mentioned above. In addition, it decreases the odds of the car moving.
Generally, most vehicles won’t switch gears when the vehicle is off. This is extremely important because a car parked on a hill cannot be shifted to drive or reverse and sent rolling down. As an additional safety tip, always use the emergency brake when working on angled surfaces.
Keep the Work Area Clean
A clean work area lowers the chances of tripping, stubbing a toe, or breaking a foot. This includes not having wet spots, buckets, or other equipment randomly spread out across the floor. This causes accidents due to the danger these obstacles can cause by stepping into a bucket and twisting an ankle or slipping and cracking a skull.
In addition, keeping the work area clean helps protect employees as well as the equipment. Placing hoses, sponges, and other materials in their proper locations help keep them in good working condition.
Train Them Initially
In order to keep constant, safe working conditions make sure to train new employees thoroughly. It only takes one person to cause an accident. When hiring new employees provide them with the proper trainers and manuals to show them how things are done. Explain to them the importance of not playing around and goofing off while working on vehicles.
Furthermore, it is imperative that the person who trains them knows the safety regulations. In addition, ensure the person you are hiring is reliable and doesn’t have a track record of hazardous or reckless behavior. Some business owners will conduct quizzes on the safety protocols after the session.
Refresh Your Employees
After working in any job for enough time people tend to learn faster ways and skip steps. However, a majority of these shortcuts lead to overlooking safety precautions. Thus, holding regular safety meetings promotes your care and concern for not only the process, but for your employees as well. It also gives your workers a refresher course on the importance of procedures.
If you are looking for franchise opportunities, consider DetailXPerts, an eco-friendly auto detailing company. We value the safety and health of our employees and franchisees while providing excellent services with our steam cleaning technology.
Interested in exploring the unique franchise opportunity that DetailXPerts offers? Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay updated on all things franchise!
